5 stock shows in the western US you don’t want to miss

The western United States boasts a proud and rich tradition of livestock shows, where breeders, ranchers, and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the heights of agricultural excellence. Livestock shows provide a platform to showcase the best livestock breeds while inspiring healthy competition and innovations in animal husbandry. 

National Western Stock Show - Denver, Colorado

Established in 1905, the National Western Stock Show is the nation’s premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show. Its mission is to strengthen American agriculture through enrichment and celebration, and attendance has exceeded half a million people per year since 2006. 

We admit our bias here at Transwest for the National Western Stock Show, since we are also based in Colorado and have our own history with it, but it is truly great. Often considered the “Superbowl of Livestock Shows,” this 16-day celebration of all things livestock takes place in January every year and attracts exhibitors, breeders, and spectators from all over the world. With showcases for more than 20 different species as well as rodeo events and exhibitions, the National Western Stock Show is the crown jewel of livestock shows west of the Mississippi, and really, the whole world. 

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Houston, Texas

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held each March, blends the excitement of a rodeo with the grandeur of a livestock show. The largest event of its kind offers educational opportunities and exhibition experience for young livestock enthusiasts while also attracting thousands of visitors and fans and generating a significant financial contribution to Texas youth agricultural education efforts. 

Showcasing a wide range of livestock, including cattle, swine, sheep, and poultry, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the area’s most popular event and has hosted countless country stars and other celebrities (including US Presidents!) over the years. The show hosts prestigious competitions, auctions, and scholarship programs, making it a bolster for future generations in agriculture.

California State Fair & Food Festival - Sacramento, California

Held in Sacramento each summer, California’s State Fair celebrates agriculture in the Golden State in a big, fun way. As one of the largest livestock shows on the West Coast, this state fair highlights California's unique and diverse agricultural industry. The show includes livestock and domestic animals from dairy cows to poultry, goats, alpacas, guinea pigs, horses, and more. 

In addition to livestock shows, visitors can also enjoy thrilling rodeo events, fair rides, live entertainment, and a wide variety of local culinary delights.  

Arizona National Livestock Show - Phoenix, Arizona

A longstanding southwestern tradition, the Arizona National Livestock Show is a testament to the resilience and innovation of livestock producers in the Southwest desert. This event began in 1948 as a stock show for Hereford, Angus, and Shorthorn cattle and hosted 42 exhibitors representing 5 states and has grown exponentially since.

Today’s Arizona Livestock Show now boasts over 4200 heads of the nation’s best livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and horses - representing 39 states. Youth compete in creed and public speaking contests alongside livestock judging and competitions, and the Farm Experience provides young prospective agriculturists with an interactive glimpse into the lifestyle. 

Cattlemen’s Day, an exciting national horse show, and the Arizona National BBQ Stampede round out the event, which remains focused on fellowship and friendly competition in the spirit of its original founding intent. 

Washington State Fair - Puyallup, Washington

The Washington State Fair is located in the shadow of Mount Rainier, in beautiful Puyallup, Washington. It’s one of the largest state fairs in the world, spanning 20 days beginning in September. The event features several livestock shows, competitions, and educational exhibits that promote sustainable farming practices and animal husbandry. From dairy cows and pigs to llamas and alpacas, the Washington State Fair gives visitors a complete look into the region's vibrant agricultural heritage. Additionally, you can indulge in delicious fair food, thrilling rides, live entertainment, games, and more. 

Originally founded in 1900, the Washington State Fair has grown to now include a Spring Fair, an Oktoberfest celebration, and a foodie event called The Taste of the Northwest, to emphasize and celebrate the agricultural offerings of the beautiful Evergreen state year-round. 

Though these events differ in size, location, and tradition, one thing they all have in common is a focus on fostering a love for agricultural pursuits among young people in America. By studying the past and immersing ourselves in these amazing experiences, we hope to shape the future of farming and livestock for generations to come.